By Tim Langevin

Sports Writer

ANNA — What a difference one week makes. Last week against Marion Local, Coldwater’s Cory Klenke threw five interceptions.

Friday night the senior signal caller redeemed himself, passing for 117 yards and rushing for another 94 yards to ignite the Cavaliers to a 23-0 victory over Anna at Booster Field.

What was supposed to be a high-scoring affair, turned into a defensive struggle. The Rockets entered the game averaging 48 points a game and Coldwater 45 points, but the first quarter ended in a 0-0 tie.

Anna kept their second drive of the game alive with a fake punt on fourth and one. Josh Parker took the snap and rambled 29 yards for a first down. Five plays later, the Rockets were forced to punt.

On Coldwater’s third possession of the game, Klenke stepped up and single-handedly marched the Cavs down the field 69 yards in 10 plays to take a 7-0 lead with 9:34 left until half.

Anna coach Bryan Rioch summed it best, “We didn’t play well enough offensively. The kids played hard, but it is hard to win when playing from behind.”

Anna’s high-powered offense fizzled on its next two possessions. The Rockets went six plays and out and then four plays and done. QB Wes Hunsucker didn’t look comfortable in the pocket. The area’s leading passer completed just 10-of-28 for 96 yards with three interceptions.

Coldwater took advantage of a short punt and 15-yard penalty against Anna to take a 14-0 lead with 1:55 left in the half. The Cavs covered 28 yards on three plays, including a nifty 16-yard draw by Klenke.

Still determined to make it a game, the Rockets methodically moved the ball 52 yards on 13 plays, only to stall at the Coldwater 17-yard line before time expired.

“They are a physical team,” Rioch said. “That Homan kid is as good as advertised.” Rioch was referring to Adam Homan, who is OSU bound next season.

Coldwater flexed its muscles to start the second half with a beautiful, time-consuming drive of 71 yards to take a commanding 20-0 lead. The Cavaliers mixed the run with short passes, milking 7:00 minutes off the clock. Klenke passed for 15 yards and ran for 36 yards on QB keepers up the middle.

Harlamert finished the game with a hard-earned 68 yards rushing, 31 yards receiving, three touchdowns, and two interceptions on defense, to give him six picks on the season.

Dan Stewart and Kameron Knight couldn’t get out of the blocks this game, combining for a measly 38 yards on 13 carries.

Rioch concluded, “We were hesitant. We needed to play more aggressively. The kids have nothing to be ashamed of. We played hard. Coldwater is a good football team. We just need to get better.”

He added, “To be the best, we have to beat the best. No time to worry. We have another big game Friday to prepare for. No weeks off in the MAC.”

Both teams’ defenses stole the spotlight from the offenses. Anna totaled 208 yards of offense and Coldwater gained 295 yards.

Taylor steinke had one interception and Anna punter Alex Hohlbein booted a 67-yard punt in the fourth period.

The Homecoming loss drops the Rockets to 4-1 on the season and Coldwater stands at 5-0 atop the MAC.

Anna travels to St. Henry Friday for another big game. Coldwater will host Parkway.

Be first to comment this article

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved